Tension between India, Pakistan seems to be impacting Bollywood

Owing to the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the Mumbai unit of Bharatiya Janata Party threatens to swoop down on YRF’s Kill Dil, starring Pakistani actor, Ali Zafar

Ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Jammu and Kashmir border have found a resonance in Bollywood with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) warning filmmakers and production houses against working with Pakistani artistes.

Pakistani singer-actor, Ali Zafar was also summoned by the Cine and Television Artistes Association (CINTAA) allegedly for working in India without an employment visa. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Says a source, “BJP’s Mumbai wing has decided to oppose the release of the film. The party will also stage protests against Pakistani actors currently working in Bollywood films. They feels that Pakistani artistes should not be allowed to work in our film industry as our country has great talent. There is no need to look across the border.”

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The source pointed out that several Pakistani actors have forayed into Bollywood in recent times — Fawad Khan, Imran Abbas and Humaima Malik, to name a few. “They earn here but pay taxes in Pakistan. Now their country is attacking us. India has provided work to many Pakistani artistes over the years, but given the recent developments, we need to ponder over it.”

Sanjay Upadhyay, vice-president, BJP, Mumbai unit, said that they would protest against the release of Kill Dil as it features a Pakistani face. “After the state assembly elections, we will be launching a stir because whatever is happening at the border is shocking. Our film industry provides employment to so many people from Pakistan but do they give our actors an opportunity in their films? The producers and directors need to understand that we have ample talent in the country.

Instead of scouting for Pakistani artistes, they should give Indian talent a chance,” he said, adding that they would oppose tooth and nail any filmmaker or production house giving work to Pakistani actors and singers. “We will ensure that this practice stops. They need to respect our country,” Upadhyay added.

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Producer Ramesh Taurani said the party’s suggestion could be considered for future projects but not those which are awaiting release. “We understand their sentiments but when a film has already been shot and the release runs into such troubles, it is the loss of the producer, who is as Indian as them,” said Taurani.